Rafting in the Smokies

When my husband was still in the Navy, he went  white water rafting with his sailor buddies when they were in Australia.  He said their raft went down twice and all of them  got thrown out but he said it was a lot of fun.  So when he told me that he want us to go white water rafting in Tennessee, I was hesitant because we have the kids.  If it's just me, I would go in a heartbeat  since I  grew up in a coastal  place and being in a rough sea is not new to me.  However, when you have children with you, you will always be on a protective Momma mode.  The kids were excited about it so I went along  and  just prayed that God will protect us in the water lol.

The guides were  very friendly and  the one that's leading all of  us was very convincing.  We chose the mild one which has a rough part but not all the way the entire journey.  While she was telling us  how mild  this  one is, we were stopped by emergency people and we saw a truck  in the river.  We were glad the passengers were okay but that  really made me worried.  I was thinking, what if this is a sign for us not to go and all these worse scenario was running through my mind while we were going to our destination.  

The head of the tour guide  told us that she never saw anything like this happen before in the area.  I think that the passenger of the vehicle were new to the place and they were not  particular about the bend and sharp turn of the roads.  Their vehicle was in the middle of the river, it was scary!

Anyway, our tour guide's name was Bill, he was really good.  He even brought bubbles for the kids, he was probably  thinking that my children  will get scared. What Bill did not know is that, my kids are more courageous than me lol.   Only the five  of us adults had paddles.  He taught us what to do  during the rough part, he was a really good instructor.  He told us that in the past, he had one instance where his people got thrown out the boat and  he said that he doesn't want  that to happen again especially with the kids.  So he made sure that we listen to his instructions and not to panic.

We were teamed up with two  Norwegian guys and  they were very friendly.  They too were adventure seekers just like us.

We were not allowed to bring anything but ourselves.  They were strict about what type of shoes to wear and made sure that our floating devices were tightened just right.   They also taught us how to properly  hold the paddle which I already knew because my Dad taught me when I was  a kid.   It is important to remember the rule of the thumb and that is not letting go of the top of your paddle so nobody will get hurt on ut.  

All of these pictures were taken by  their designated photographer.  You can buy or pay for it  at the end of the tour.  See, they really get you with this one, there's nothing really  you can do but  buy it if you want  pictures of your  adventure.  I thought, it was gonna be a printed photo on a frame but all you're getting is a  thumb drive with the  15 shots of picture in it for $40.

After the  rough part was over, there was a very calm and steady part where the rafters can jump out the rough and swim for a while before  returning.   My husband and son  went  and swim but  my daughter and I stayed in the raft, I don't trust  river that I don't know about ha ha.

My children got all the splashes of water  because they were in the front.  They absolutely had a blast with this adventure.  They want to do it again in the future so I think we might do it here in  West Virginia since we have the  New River Gorge.  We did not want to start  our  experience here because the course here is a lot rougher.  Hartford Tennessee was the perfect place to start as it was milder.   

The Best Outdoor Activities in Mumbai

If you’re looking to plan an outdoor adventure filled vacation, Mumbai is the perfect spot for you. The fast-paced environment in Mumbai is full of excitement and people seeking the greatest adrenaline rush possible – it’s the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure. Here are some of the best outdoor activities you can try while visiting Mumbai to make the most out of your trip.

The ocean around Mumbai is beautiful to look at, and even more fun to explore up close and personal. There’s tons of water sport options to take advantage of, but here are a few of our favorites that you will love.

●        Jet Skiing – Jet Skiing is found at various different beaches around Mumbai and for a very reasonable price you’ll learn how to explore the water on a fast paced, adrenaline filled ride.

●        Kayaking – Kayaking may be slower paced than a jet ski, but that doesn’t make it any less fun. Not too far outside of Mumbai you can find great locations to kayak in Mumbai and have a life experience you’ll never forget. Test your skills and focus with this independent and challenging water sport.

●        Trapezing – For the most adventurous, trapezing can be a great option. Mandwa beach is the best places in Mumbai to go trapezing. You’ll find yourself harnessed on the sail with your legs extended off the edge of the railing, feeling the waves and boat rocking over each wave will give you an adrenaline filled ride.

●        Stand-up Paddle Boating – another great activity at Mandwa beach is stand-up paddle boating. This water sport is one for those with stamina and strength. A challenging, but fulfilling experience will take your breath away as you paddle on the water while standing on your board.

●        White Water Rafting – white water rafting is a great activity if you’re looking to do something with friends or family. A great group building exercise for groups of three or more takes you into the crashing waters of a river near Mumbai for an experience that is sure to be unforgettable.

Regardless of which water sport you choose, you’re bound to have a great time on the water. If you want an activity above the water, here are a few aerial sports you can do during your trip. 

●        Swoop Swinging - If heights and new experiences don’t scare you, then this one is for you. Swoop swinging hoists you nearly 30 meters into the air from a body bag attached to a harness before giving you a 30 second free-falling experience that will leave you speechless. This activity is quick, but it’s one that you can’t miss.

●        Paragliding – The mountains of Kamshet near Mumbai offer a great spot for paragliding. Before beginning you receive full safety instructions and equipment, and then you’re off. Cut through the air and see views that you’d never be able to experience form the ground in this thrill filled activity.

●        Bungee Jumping – if you’re looking for a great adrenaline rush, look no further. Jumping from nearly 147 feet above sea level before bouncing back up into the sky is a rush like no other. Mumbai is one of the most sought-after locations for bungee jumping, so be sure to add it to you itinerary.

●        Parasailing – if you want a great view of the beach, parasailing is the way to do it. fly above the beaches of Mumbai to find an all new appreciation for the world around you.

●        Skydiving – at AambyValley just outside of Mumbai you can take part in an activity that many people never get to do – skydiving. The fall is quick, but it will feel like a moment frozen in time as you feel a sensation unlike any other on the way down.

●        Ziplining – Last, but certainly not least, you can go ziplining. Ziplining gives you a unique view over the treetops of the forests around Mumbai as you go from peak to peak. Take advantage of the beautiful landscape around you from all new heights with this fun activity.

You know about water sports, aerial sports, and now it’s time to talk about some activities and sports you can take part in on solid ground. 

●        Archery – in Powai, Mumbai you can challenge your mental and physical strength with a round of archery. This sport is the most fun if you take friends. See who’s the best of the best as you all aim for the bullseye and who knows, maybe it’ll be you.

●        Caving – Caving, also known as spelunking, is a great activity if you want to learn some new survival skills. Venture through caves and tight crevices with an instructor to learn the best survival skills to use in a cave environment. The adventure also offers views of some of the most beautiful caves and caverns around Mumbai.

●        Fire Spinning – if you’re looking for a unique experience, look no further. Fire spinning gives you a heart pumping experience in Powai, just outside of Mumbai. An instructor will guide you using an unlit version until you get the hang of it, but before you know it you’ll be the one spinning fire like a pro.

Regardless of what activity you’re looking for, Mumbai has something for everyone. From the most experienced adrenaline junkies to newbies looking for a small thrill, this is the place to go. Use sites like Expedia to be sure you’re getting the best price possible for your flight to Mumbai. From there, you can begin planning the vacation of a lifetime.

Planning a trip to Mumbai?  What’s on your agenda?  Tell us in the comments.

How to Spread a Little Positivity in Your Community

If you look at the news on any given day, it's hard to have much faith in humanity. Everything and everyone seems so negative. People appear farther apart than ever. Before you give up on society, know that there are groups out there who are making a difference. You've probably seen feel-good events like flash mobs on videos passed around social media. Have you ever wondered how to become part of such an infectious movement? Here's how to start a positivist movement in your community.

Remember That Words Matter

Have you ever been down and had one kind word lift your entire mood? Saying "Thank you" when someone does something nice or "I understand" to someone who's having a bad day can really have a positive effect. It will also change the way they interact with you. If you see the person ahead of you in line berating the customer service rep, try to smile and say “Dealing with the public must be hard,” when it's your turn. Remember, they aren't responsible for your high bill or other issues. They're just the low-paid employee who's stuck out front taking fire for the company.

We visited Lola Ruth, our former neighbor, this afternoon. We had a nice time talking to her, catching up. When her husband died last year, we had a hard time, we were so closed to him. He was like a real grandpa to my kids. We all miss him. Family is not always by blood, they can be friends that you meet in your lifetime. Our former neighbors are like family to us. #friends #family

A post shared by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on Jun 23, 2018 at 5:09pm PDT

Smile, It's Contagious

Yes, it's annoying when people tell you to smile all the time. Don't wait for someone to say it. Make it a practice to find something that makes you feel like smiling. It will lift your own mood and influence the people around you. Scientific studies have shown that the simple act of smiling increases serotonin levels in the brain.

Compliments Cost Nothing

Have you ever looked at someone and admired something about them? Instead of thinking "I really love those earrings", say it. It may feel awkward at first. You may even feel like you're being phony. But, just the act of giving someone a small, sincere compliment can work wonders on their state of mind and yours.

Enhancing your positivity imprint can have a profound effect on your little corner of the world. You don't have to go big and donate piano NYC or start a non-profit. Even the smallest act of love or kindness can cause a ripple effect. It all begins with you.

After playing #badminton, we went to St. Joe’s and help with the rummage sale. We will go back again tomorrow. We’re making summer break worthwhile. If you guys wants to find neat stuff, come at St. Joe’s gymnasium in June 14, 15, 16. They have so many things from furniture to collectible stuff, you name it. #charity #rummageSale #donation

A post shared by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on Jun 11, 2018 at 10:16am PDT

Walnut Creek, Ohio

We were talking to our neighbor  one time and we mentioned how we love to go to the Amish place in Ohio.  He asked us which one do we go to, we thought  there's only one place  but apparently not.  We always go to the one in Sugarcreek.  He told us to check out the Amish place in Walnut Creek, Ohio.

My husband and kids asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday so I told them that we should go to Walnut Creek and check it out.

It was a little ways compared to the distance when going to Sugarcreek but it was nice  seeing a different Amish place.  

I like Sugarcreek more  than Walnut Creek though.  You can shop and  sightsee  in one place.  In Walnut Creek, the shopping  place is different, then you have to drive to see  the flea market place, then the  furniture and outdoor store, I didn't like it that much.

It was worth checking out a new place though.

The  food market was huge, it was like a  huge mall.  Here's my  daughter who likes to  try Amish products.  She loved the jalapeño jelly on crackers so we got a jar of it and a box of the crackers.

They were contemplating on getting some donuts but ended up not getting any.  I got me a  carrot cake though, it was delicious.

As I mentioned earlier, the  food market was huge.  We didn't really checked everything but  my husband got me an iron skillet.  It was funny  when we were checking out, the cashier  told my husband not to upset me.  I laughed and said "that would make a great weapon" and we all laughed.

I love the displays.  It reminds me of the  Amish house that we went to  that has all the different tools and  things that they used from previous era.

I think my favorite of our trip was our visit to the outdoor  furniture store, the Swiss Country Lawn and Craft.  They have so many things that I would love to have, the only problem is, I can't afford them ha ha.

My husband is eyeing on this  furniture for our back porch, this set cost almost $1,800.

We will go back there and buy a swing though.  He love  spending  time in the front porch and he wants something that he could rock back and forth.

Our last stop was in the flea market.  It was a huge place as well.

This  guy was performing  by the  entrance  lobby  so we listened to him for a while.  He can sing really well.

We spent some time exploring this place but we didn't get anything.

I was drawn to these service dogs.  The lady was selling garden stuff so I  look at all the things she has before  moving on to the next.

I find this one a bit funny so I took a picture of it lol.

Welcome to the Man Cave stuff.  My husband has  a sword that he got from Japan.  We don't have aMan Cave in the house though.  I told him if he wants one, he can fix  the  basement.

I  was separated from  them when I was  looking around and  we found out that we didn't have phone service in Walnut Creek.  We couldn't  communicate using our phone, when I found the kids, my husband has gone looking for me, oh boy.

By the time, we have convened, it was time for us to go back home.

I got to say, it was a nice birthday  short road trip, we got to see  an[other part of Ohio that we have never been to before.

There's something about Ohio that's very calming and relaxing.  When you are driving along the road, just looking at farms and  farm animals, makes me wish that I  live in a farm.

It's amazing how   older age can teach you.  When I was growing up (we lived in a farm), I couldn't wait to get out and  explore the city, then I found out that  cities weren't all that great asd I thought it would.

Our  road trips always end up with these two falling asleep on our way home.

Walnut Creek Ohio was nice but I love Sugarcreek more.

Point State Park Fountain

One of the many beautiful features of the Point State Park is the Soaring fountain with 200-ft.-wide basin, infinity waterfall  and  seats, at meeting point of three rivers.  When the fountain shoots up high, you will see it  from afar even you are just driving by the bridge.  We didn't see it though when we were there so it was a bit disappointing.

It was  hot when we went there at noontime but when you sit in front of the fountain, it cools you down.

A lot of people remove their  shoes and  soak their feet in the rim of the  fountain.

I think this is the  perfect location  for a water fountain because you can see the  river, the bridges, and the beautiful views in between the  rivers.

I wonder how  often they clean  the water because it was kind of murky or maybe it was the color of the concrete at the bottom that makes the water looks dark.  Nevertheless, it was really relaxing to just sit there for a while and  soak your feet or just  enjoy the sound of the water.

We saw many people getting their  sun tan too and some are  taking a nap even.

My son always  throw a coin and make a wish when he sees water fountain  and this  one is no different.

This is the very first state park  that I went to  that is located  in the city.  Most of the state parks are  far from the city so this is a really neat  place.

We would have stayed a little longer if we went there a little earlier when the  it wasn't too hot yet.

The  Heinz Field you see in the background  is located across the street where the Carnegie Science Center is.  We've been there a few years ago.  It is on the other side of the river and  is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

My son  wants to  attend one of the  games of Steelers someday.  Hopefully  we can all  go and watch the Steelers although I am not a big fan of football but I would go just because the boys love football.